Electronic device

ABSTRACT

An electronic device may include a position detecting unit that detects a position; a time detecting unit that detects a time; a communicating unit that communicates with a first device provided separately from the position detecting unit and the time detecting unit; and an instructing unit that instructs, via the communicating unit, a first detecting unit provided to the first device to perform detection according to a detection result of the position detecting unit and the time detecting unit. An electronic device may include a position detecting unit that detects a position; a time detecting unit that detects a time; a physical amount detecting unit that detects a physical amount of an ambient environment according to a detection result of the position detecting unit and the time detecting unit; and a human detecting that performs detection about human according to a detection result of the physical amount detecting unit.

This is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/301,983,filed Jun. 11, 2014, which in turn is a Continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2012/006343, filed Oct. 3, 2012, which claims thebenefit of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2011-278275 and 2011-278283,both filed Dec. 20, 2011. The disclosure of the prior applications ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic device.

2. RELATED ART

It has been conventionally proposed to take security measures by using amobile communication device to determine whether a current position is adanger zone and to show a proper route (for example, Patent Document No.1).

Patent Document No. 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No.2011-155522

SUMMARY

However, such a danger zone varies depending on the time and situation,and accordingly, a security system using a conventional mobilecommunication device has not been convenient to use.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electronicdevice includes: a position detecting unit that detects a position; atime detecting unit that detects a time; a communicating unit thatcommunicates with a first device provided separately from the positiondetecting unit and the time detecting unit; and an instructing unit thatinstructs, via the communicating unit, a first detecting unit providedto the first device to perform detection according to a detection resultof the position detecting unit and the time detecting unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronicdevice includes: a position detecting unit that detects a position; atime detecting unit that detects a time; a physical amount detectingunit that detects a physical amount of an ambient environment accordingto a detection result of the position detecting unit and the timedetecting unit; and a human detecting that performs human detectionaccording to a detection result of the physical amount detecting unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an electronicdevice includes: a first detecting unit that detects brightness; asecond detecting unit that detects sound; and a third detecting unitthat detects information for human detection according to a detectionresult of the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit.

The summary clause does not necessarily describe all necessary featuresof the embodiments of the present invention. The present invention mayalso be a sub-combination of the features described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a use environment of a system 5 according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of functional blocks of asmartphone 10, a camera unit 100, and a music player 200.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by the system5.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a flow of processing executed at Step S304.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a flow of processing executed at Step S310.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, (some) embodiment (s) of the present invention will bedescribed. The embodiment (s) do (es) not limit the invention accordingto the claims, and all the combinations of the features described in theembodiment (s) are not necessarily essential to means provided byaspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a use environment of a system 5 according toan embodiment. The system 5 includes a smartphone 10, a camera unit 100,a music player 200, and a GPS satellite 7. In the system 5, thesmartphone 10 is provided in a bag, and the camera unit 100 and themusic player 200 are attached to the bag. The part A shows a view of auser 6 seen from behind. The smartphone 10 communicates with the cameraunit 100 wirelessly. Also, the smartphone 10 communicates with the musicplayer 200, which is different from the camera unit 100, wirelessly.Specifically, the smartphone 10 controls the camera unit 100 and themusic player 200 wirelessly. The camera unit 100 wirelessly notifies thesmartphone 10 of a detection result of various sensors provided to thecamera unit 100.

The smartphone 10 receives GPS signals transmitted from the GPSsatellite 7 and calculates latitude information and longitudeinformation based on the received GPS signals to detect the currentposition of the user 6. Also, the smartphone 10 detects the current timeby using a clock function thereof. When it is determined that the user 6is on a road based on the current position, and it is nighttime based onthe current time, the smartphone 10 activates the camera unit 100 tostart detection of the ambient environment. Specifically, the smartphone10 makes the camera unit 100 detect the brightness and sound of theambient environment.

When it is determined that the brightness detected by the camera unit100 is equal to or less than a predetermined brightness, and the volumeof sound detected by the camera unit 100 is smaller than a predeterminedvolume, the smartphone 10 makes the camera unit 100 detect anapproaching person with an infrared ray and the like. When the presentor absence of an approaching person is determined based on the detectionresult of the camera unit 100, and it is determined that there is anapproaching person, the smartphone 10 instructs the camera unit 100 tocapture an image of the approaching person. The smartphone 10 detectsthe person in an image captured by the camera unit 100. For example,when a stranger or a person on a blacklist is detected in the image, thesmartphone 10 notifies the user 6 by a vibration function of thesmartphone 10. Also, the smartphone 10 notifies the user 6 by turningdown the volume of sound output from the music player 200.

With use of the system 5, the detection operation of the camera unit 100can be controlled based on the position and time. Accordingly, forexample when the user 6 is at a location that becomes dangerous atnighttime, the detection operation of the camera unit 100 can be startedat nighttime. Also, with use of the system 5, information for humandetection can be detected by the camera unit 100, for example when theambient environment becomes dark and quiet. In this manner, with use ofthe system 5, sensing of the ambient environment can be started at anappropriate timing even in an area where the degree of dangerousnessvaries depending on the time and situation. Accordingly, a securitysystem that is convenient for a user to use can be provided.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of functional blocks of thesmartphone 10, the camera unit 100, and the music player 200. Here,functions and operations of the system 5 are shown with the functionalblocks.

First, the functional configuration of the smartphone 10 is explained.The smartphone 10 has a CPU 20, a clock 30, a GPS signal detecting unit40, a face detecting unit 50, a memory 60, a vibrating unit 70, aspeedometer 80, and a communicating unit 90.

The clock 30 measures the date and time, and outputs date/time dataindicating the measured date and time to the CPU 20. The clock 30 is anexample of a time detecting unit that detects the time. The GPS signaldetecting unit 40 detects GPS signals transmitted from the GPS satellite7, and outputs GPS data indicating the detected GPS signals to the CPU20. The CPU 20 calculates latitude information and longitude informationbased on the GPS data detected by the GPS signal detecting unit 40. TheGPS signal detecting unit 40 is an example of a position detecting unitthat detects a position.

The face detecting unit 50 recognizes a face in image data.Specifically, the face detecting unit 50 recognizes a face in image dataof an image captured by the camera unit 100. For example, the facedetecting unit 50 detects a face of a stranger or a person on ablacklist in image data of an image captured by the camera unit 100. Theface detecting unit 50 outputs face detection data indicating thedetection result of a face to the CPU 20.

The speedometer 80 detects the moving speed of the user 6. For example,the speedometer 80 may include an acceleration sensor, and detect thewalking speed of the user 6 based on acceleration information detectedby the acceleration sensor. For example, the speedometer 80 detectsvibration caused by the user 6 who is walking, and detects steps perunit time based on the vibration. The steps per unit time may be used asan index value of the walking speed of the user 6. The speedometer 80outputs speed data indicating the detected moving speed to the CPU 20.The speedometer 80 is an example of a speed detecting unit that detectsthe walking speed of the user 6. The CPU 20 functions as a speedacquiring unit that acquires the walking speed of the user 6. The CPU 20may detect the moving speed of the user 6 based on a temporal change incurrent positions based on the GPS information detected by the GPSsignal detecting unit 40. Purposes of detecting the moving speed of theuser 6 in this manner are to detect the normal walking speed (averagewalking speed) of the user 6, and to detect whether the current walkingspeed of the user 6 is faster or slower than the detected normal walkingspeed (average walking speed). A reason for performing such detection isbecause when the walking speed of the user 6 is slower than the normalwalking speed when the user 6 is tired or concentrating on listening tomusic from the music player 200, the user 6 is more likely to be caughtin crimes due to lack of attention to the ambient environment.

The vibrating unit 70 vibrates to notify the user 6 of a danger. Thevibrating unit 70 vibrates under control of the CPU 20. The vibratingunit 70 as an example of a driving unit may include a vibrating unitthat vibrates under control of the CPU 20. Examples of the vibratingunit include a vibration motor. The CPU 20 makes the vibrating unit 70vibrate according to a detection result of a plurality of detectingunits such as the clock 30, the GPS signal detecting unit 40, the facedetecting unit 50, and sensors provided to the camera unit 100. In thismanner, the vibrating unit 70 vibrates according to a detection resultof a plurality of detecting units. The vibrating unit 70 is an exampleof the driving unit that drives according to a detection result of aplurality of detecting units.

The communicating unit 90 communicates with the camera unit 100. Also,the communicating unit 90 communicates with the music player 200, whichis different from the camera unit 100. The communicating unit 90modulates transmission data generated by the CPU 20, and outputs themodulated data to the outside with wireless signals. Also, thecommunicating unit 90 demodulates the received wireless signals togenerate reception data, and outputs the reception data to the CPU 20.In this manner, the communicating unit 90 can communicate with thecamera unit 100 that is provided separately from the GPS signaldetecting unit 40 and the clock 30.

The CPU 20 controls the entire operations of the smartphone 10 andcontrols to notify the user 6 of a danger. The CPU 20 functions as aninstructing unit that instructs, via the communicating unit 90, at leastone sensor that is provided to the camera unit 100 to perform detectionaccording to a detection result of the GPS signal detecting unit 40 andthe clock 30. For example, the CPU 20 performs control based on datadetected by various sensors such as the clock 30, the GPS signaldetecting unit 40, the face detecting unit 50, and the speedometer 80.Specifically, the CPU 20 generates transmission data for controlling thecamera unit 100 and the music player 200 based on the date/time data,the GPS data, the face detection data, the speed data, and the like.Also, the CPU 20 controls the face detecting unit 50 and the vibratingunit 70 based on the reception data received by the communicating unit90.

The memory 60 is a nonvolatile memory (such as a flash memory), andstores therein data necessary for each unit of the smartphone 10 toperform operations. For example, the memory 60 stores therein programssuch as an operating system operated by the CPU 20, various parameters,and the like. Also, the memory 60 stores therein map information. Forexample, the memory 60 stores therein, in association with positionsindicated by latitude/longitude information and the like, mapinformation including various types of information about constructionssuch as buildings and roads located at the position. The map informationmay include data relating to road width. Also, the memory 60 storestherein data of facial information to be used in facial recognition bythe face detecting unit 50. In this case, the facial data stored in thememory 60 may be stored by being classified into faces of acquaintancesand people on a blacklist. A reason for such storage is, as describedbelow, because the CPU 20 notifies the user 6 of a person approachingfrom behind as an acquaintance, as a person on a blacklist, or as astranger. The face detecting unit 50 compares the data of facialinformation stored in the memory 60 with image data of an image capturedby the camera unit 100 to recognize a face.

Also, the memory 60 stores therein various kinds of detection datadetected by the clock 30, the GPS signal detecting unit 40, the facedetecting unit 50, and the speedometer 80. Also, the memory 60 storestherein transmission data transmitted from the communicating unit 90,and reception data received by the communicating unit 90.

Next, the functional configuration of the camera unit 100 is explained.The camera unit 100 is provided separately from the smartphone 10, andfunctions as a sensor unit that performs communication with thesmartphone 10. The camera unit 100 has a camera 120, an infrared sensor130, an LED 140, an illuminometer 150, a microphone 160, and acommunicating unit 110. In the present embodiment, because the cameraunit 100 is provided behind the user 6 as shown in FIG. 1, the camera120, the infrared sensor 130, the illuminometer 150, and the microphone160 function as sensors that acquire information about the back of theuser 6. The camera 120, the infrared sensor 130, the LED 140, theilluminometer 150, and the microphone 160 may collectively be referredto as a sensor. To make the camera unit 100 attachable to and detachablefrom the smartphone 10, an engaging part that engages mechanically andelectrically with the smartphone 10 may be provided to the camera unit100. When the camera unit 100 is engaged with the smartphone 10, thecamera unit 100 may be used as an image capturing unit of the smartphone10. Also, the smartphone 10 and the camera unit 100 may be integrated,and the smartphone 10 may be attached to the back of the user 6. In thiscase, the communicating units 90, 110 may be omitted.

The communicating unit 110 communicates with an external device.Specifically, the communicating unit 110 receives data transmitted fromthe communicating unit 90. The communicating unit 110 demodulatesreceived wireless signals to generate reception data. The communicatingunit 110 outputs, based on the reception data, signals to controlsensors provided to the camera unit 100. For example, each sensor startsdetection operations upon receiving signals that instruct to start thedetection operations. Also, the LED 140 starts light emission uponreceiving signals that instruct to start the light emission.

The illuminometer 150 is a physical amount sensor that detectsilluminance. The illuminometer 150 is an example of a detecting unitthat detects brightness. With use of the illuminometer 150, thebrightness of a location of the user 6 can be detected. The microphone160 is a physical amount sensor that detects sound of the ambientenvironment, and outputs data indicating the detected sound to thecommunicating unit 110. The microphone 160 is an example of a detectingunit that detects sound. With use of the microphone 160, sound of alocation of the user 6 can be detected.

The communicating unit 110 modulates transmission data including dataacquired from each sensor provided to the camera unit 100 to send themodulated data to the outside with wireless signals. For example, thecommunicating unit 110 sends transmission data to the camera unit 100with wireless signals.

The infrared sensor 130 is an example of a detecting unit that detectsinformation for detecting an approach of a person. The infrared sensor130 detects an infrared ray, and outputs data indicating the intensityof the infrared ray to the communicating unit 110. The infrared sensor130 may be a pyroelectric sensor. Also, the infrared sensor 130 may be atwo-dimensional infrared sensor. The detection system may be an activesystem or a passive system. The infrared sensor 130 performs detectionbased on a detection result of the illuminometer 150 and the microphone160.

The camera 120 captures an image of a subject to generate image data.The camera 120 outputs the generated image data to the communicatingunit 110. The camera 120 is an example of an image capturing unit. Thecamera 120 may be a highly sensitive camera. Also, the camera 120 may bean infrared camera. The camera 120 performs detection according to adetection result of the illuminometer 150 and the microphone 160. Thecamera 120 is an example of a detecting unit that detects informationfor performing human detection. The camera 120 captures an image when anapproach of a person is detected by the infrared sensor 130.

The LED 140 operates based on signals received from the communicatingunit 110. Examples of signals supplied to the LED 140 include signalsindicating a light emission intensity, signals indicating a lightemission color, signals indicating a temporal change of at least one ofa light emission intensity and a light emission color. The LED 140 is anexample of an output unit. Examples of the output unit include, otherthan a light emitting unit like the LED 140, an audio output unit thatoutputs sound and the like. The LED 140 emits light when an approach ofa person is detected by the infrared sensor 130.

As described above, the camera unit 100 (sensor unit) according to thepresent embodiment does not have a memory. This is to prevent leakage ofpersonal information of the user 6 even when the user 6 has lost thecamera unit 100 (sensor unit) or has had the camera unit 100 stolen.When a memory (e.g., a buffer memory) is provided to the camera unit 100(sensor unit), it may be configured to delete data within the memory ina case data is transmitted by the communicating unit 110 or after anelapse of a predetermined length of time (e.g. about several hours), orit may be configured to delete data within the memory in response to anillustrated casing of the camera unit 100 being opened. Also, a displayunit may not be provided to the camera unit 100 (sensor unit) so thatdata stored in the memory cannot be displayed.

The CPU 20 instructs control of the music player 200 according tocommunication with the camera unit 100. Specifically, the CPU 20instructs control of the music player 200 according to outputs of eachsensor of the camera unit 100, the outputs being acquired from thecamera unit 100 through communication.

The functional configuration of the music player 200 is explained. Themusic player 200 has a CPU 220, a volume control unit 230, and acommunicating unit 210.

The communicating unit 210 communicates with the smartphone 10. Thevolume control unit 230 controls, under control of the CPU 220, thevolume of sound output from the music player 200. Specifically, thevolume control unit 230 turns down the volume of sound output from themusic player 200. The volume control unit 230 may stop outputs of soundfrom the music player 200 temporarily for a predetermined period.

Specifically, the communicating unit 210 receives data transmitted fromthe communicating unit 90. The communicating unit 210 demodulatesreceived wireless signals to generate reception data, and outputs thereception data to the CPU 220. The CPU 220 controls the volume controlunit 230 based on the reception data. For example, the CPU 220 outputssignals to control the volume to the volume control unit 230. Also, theCPU 220 outputs, to the communicating unit 210, transmission dataaddressed to the smartphone 10. The communicating unit 210 demodulatesthe received transmission data, and outputs the transmission data to theoutside with wireless signals. Examples of the transmission dataaddressed to the smartphone 10 include information about the currentvolume.

Various types of wireless communication in compliance with wirelesscommunication standards, such as a short-distance wireless communicationstandard like Bluetooth (registered trademark), may be used for thecommunication of the communicating unit 90, the communicating unit 110,and the communicating unit 210.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by the system5. At Step S302, the CPU 20 of the smartphone 10 acquires date/time datafrom the clock 30, and acquires GPS data from the GPS signal detectingunit 40 to confirm the current time and situation of the position.Specifically, the CPU 20 specifies the current time based on thedate/time data. Also, the CPU 20 specifies the current position based onthe GPS data. Also, the CPU 20 acquires map information stored in thememory 60. The map information includes road information such asinformation about a road width. The CPU 20 specifies the type of aconstruction located at the current position based on the mapinformation and the current position. Also, when the current position ison a road, the CPU 20 may specify a road width of the current positionbased on the map information.

At Step S304, the CPU 20 determines whether to activate the camera unit100. For example, the CPU 20 determines whether to activate the cameraunit 100 based on the current time and current position. Details of thisprocessing are explained in conjuncture with FIG. 4.

When it is determined, in the determination at Step S304, to activatethe camera unit 100, the illuminometer 150 and the microphone 160 areturned on, and detection by the illuminometer 150 and the microphone 160is started (Step S306). Specifically, the CPU 20 makes the communicatingunit 90 transmit, via wireless communication, transmission data to thecamera unit 100 to instruct to turn on the illuminometer 150 and themicrophone 160.

Subsequently, at Step S308, the CPU 20 confirms ambient conditions.Specifically, the CPU 20 acquires, from the camera unit 100 via wirelesscommunication, data indicating the illuminance detected by theilluminometer 150 and data indicating the sound detected by themicrophone 160.

At Step S310, the CPU 20 determines whether to perform detection of anapproaching object. Specifically, the CPU 20 determines whether toexecute detection of an approaching object based on the result ofconfirmation at Step S308. Details of this processing are explained inconjuncture with FIG. 5.

When it is determined, in the determination at Step S310, to executedetection of an approaching object from behind the user 6, the cameraunit 100 turns on the infrared sensor 130, and starts detection of anapproaching object by the infrared sensor 130 (Step S312). Specifically,the CPU 20 makes the communicating unit 90 transmit, via wirelesscommunication, transmission data to the camera unit 100 to instruct toturn on the infrared sensor 130. The infrared sensor 130 startsdetection according to a detection result of the illuminometer 150 andthe microphone 160.

Subsequently, at Step S314, the CPU 20 judges the presence or absence ofan approaching object. For example, the CPU 20 judges the presence orabsence of an approaching object based on detection data of the infraredsensor 130 acquired from the camera unit 100 via wireless communication.For example, the CPU 20 judges the presence or absence of an approachingobject based on a temporal change of the detection data of the infraredsensor 130. For example, the CPU 20 judges the presence or absence of anapproaching object based on a temporal change in infrared intensity.When the infrared intensity has increased temporally, the CPU 20determines that an approaching object is present. Also, when theinfrared sensor 130 is a two-dimensional infrared sensor, the CPU 20judges the presence or absence of an approaching object based on atemporal change in luminance information of a two-dimensional infraredray. For example, the present or absence of an approaching object isdetermined based on a temporal change in the size of an object extractedfrom an infrared image. More specifically, when the size of an objectwith a predetermined shape increases temporally, it is determined thatan approaching object is present.

When it is determined, in the determination at Step S314, that there isan approaching object, the camera unit 100 starts image capturing (StepS316). Specifically, the CPU 20 makes the communicating unit 90transmit, via wireless communication, transmission data to the cameraunit 100 to instruct the camera 120 to start image capturing. In thismanner, the CPU 20 instructs the camera 120, which is a detecting unitdifferent from the illuminometer 150, the microphone 160, and theinfrared sensor 130, to perform detection according to a detectionresult of the infrared sensor 130.

Subsequently, the camera unit 100 turns on the LED 140 (Step S318).Specifically, the CPU 20 makes the communicating unit 90 transmit, viawireless communication, transmission data to the camera unit 100 toinstruct to turn on the LED 140. The CPU 20 may turn on the LED 140 at50% of the maximum light emission intensity of the LED 140. The CPU 20may make transmission data including information indicating a lightemission intensity at which the LED 140 emits light transmitted. Also,the CPU 20 may make transmission data to instruct a light emissionpattern of the LED 140 transmitted to the camera unit 100. In thismanner, the CPU 20 can instruct outputs of the LED 140 according to adetection result of sensors such as the clock 30, the face detectingunit 50, the illuminometer 150, the microphone 160, the infrared sensor130, and the camera 120. In particular, the LED 140 is configured toemit light according to detection result of the infrared sensor 130, forexample when an approaching object is detected by the infrared sensor130. Accordingly, with the LED 140 configured to emit light at anappropriate timing according to the situation of the ambientenvironment, the user 6 can be notified of an approaching person frombehind the user 6. Also, by tuning on the LED 140 when capturing animage with the camera 100, the CPU 20 can inform people around that theimage capturing is not performed secretly.

Subsequently, at Step S320, it is determined whether to executenotification to the user 6. Specifically, the CPU 20 acquires, from thecamera unit 100 via wireless communication, image data acquired bycapturing an image with the camera 120, and determines to executenotification to the user 6 when it is judged, based on the acquiredimage data, that an approaching object is a stranger whose face is notstored in face data in the memory 60 or that an approaching object is aperson on a blacklist registered in the memory 60.

When it is determined, in the determination at Step S320, to performnotification to the user 6, notification to the user 6 is performed(Step S322), and the process ends. For example, at Step S322, the CPU 20makes the vibrating unit 70 vibrate. Also, the CPU 20 notifies the user6 by turning down the volume of the music player 200. Specifically, theCPU 20 makes the communicating unit 90 transmit, via wirelesscommunication, transmission data to the music player 200 to instruct toturn down the volume. The CPU 20 may turn down the volume of the musicplayer 200 under a condition that the current volume of sound outputfrom the music player 200 is equal to or larger than a predeterminedvolume. Also, the CPU 20 may make an externally mounted speaker providedto the music player 200 output sound to the outside.

When it is determined, in the determination at Step S320, not to performnotification to the user 6, the process proceeds to Step S302. Also,when it is determined, in the determination at Step S310 of this processflow, not to execute detection of an approaching object, the processproceeds to Step S302. Also, when it is determined, in the determinationat Step S314 of this process flow, that there is not an approachingobject, the process proceeds to Step S302. Also, when it is determined,in the determination at Step S304 of this process flow, not to activatethe camera unit 100, the camera 120, the infrared sensor 130, theilluminometer 150, and the microphone 160 provided to the camera unit100 are turned off (Step S324), and the process proceeds to Step S302.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a flow of processing executed at Step S304.Following Step S302, the CPU 20 determines whether it is nighttime basedon the current time (Step S402). For example, the CPU 20 determines thatit is nighttime when the current time is or is after 19 o'clock. Also,the CPU 20 determines that it is nighttime when the current time is oris before 6 o'clock. In this manner, the CPU 20 determines that it isnighttime when the current time belongs to a predetermined night timezone.

When it is determined at Step S402 that it is nighttime, it isdetermined whether the current position is inside any building (StepS404). Specifically, the CPU 20 determines whether the current positionis inside any building based on the current position and the mapinformation stored in the memory 60. When it is determined that thecurrent position is not inside any building at Step S404, the processproceeds to Step S306. When it is determined that the current positionis inside any building at Step S404, the process proceeds to Step S324.When it is determined at Step S402 that it is not nighttime also, theprocess proceeds to Step S324.

In this manner, the CPU 20 determines to activate the camera unit 100when it is determined that it is nighttime and the user 6 is outsidebuildings. Accordingly, it is possible to activate the camera unit 100at an appropriate timing and make the illuminometer 150 and themicrophone 160 start detection by utilizing time and locationalinformation. In this manner, the CPU 20 instructs, via the communicatingunit 90, the illuminometer 150 and the microphone 160 provided to thecamera unit 100 to perform detection according to a detection resultabout the position and a detection result about the time.

At Step S404, in addition to determining whether the user 6 is insideany building, the CPU 20 may determine whether a road width of thecurrent position is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (e.g.several meters). When it is determined that the road width of thecurrent position is not equal to or larger than the predetermined value,the process may proceeds to Step S306. When it is determined that theroad width of the current position is smaller than the predeterminedvalue, the process may proceeds to Step S306. In this manner, the CPU 20can instruct the illuminometer 150 to perform detection based on datarelating to a road width. Also, the CPU 20 can instruct the microphone160 to perform detection based on data relating to a road width. Areason for such instruction is because crimes like bag-snatching oftenoccur when the user 6 makes a turn from a wide road to a narrow road.Accordingly, the CPU 20 may proceed with the processing at Step S306when the user 6 moves from a relatively wide road to a relatively narrowroad based on a detection result of the GPS signal detecting unit 40 anddata relating to road widths stored in the memory 60. In this case, theCPU 20 may proceed with the Step S306 when the user 6 walks at a speedwhich is approximately equal to or slower than a normal walking speed(average walking speed), and may not proceeds with the processing ofStep S306 when the user 6 walks at a speed which is faster than a normalwalking speeds (average walking speed).

Also, the CPU 20 may end the process flow shown in FIG. 3 when the user6 moves from a narrow road to a wide road, or when the user 6 walks at aspeed which is faster than a normal walking speed (average walkingspeed) by approximately 15%.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a flow of processing executed at Step S310.Following Step S308, the CPU 20 determines whether the illuminancedetected by the illuminometer 150 is equal to or lower than apredetermined reference illuminance (Step S502). When it is determinedthat the illuminance is equal to or lower than the reference illuminanceat Step S502, it is determined at Step S504 whether the volume of sounddetected by the microphone 160 is equal to or larger than apredetermined reference value (Step S504). When it is determined, in thedetermination at Step S504, that the detected volume is equal to orsmaller than the predetermined reference value, the process proceeds toStep S312.

Also, when it is determined, in the determination at Step S504, that thedetected volume exceeds the predetermined reference value, the processproceeds to Step S302. When it is determined, in the determination atStep S502, that the detected illuminance exceeds the predeterminedreference illuminance, the process proceeds to Step S302.

In this manner, the CPU 20 determines to make the infrared sensor 130perform detection of an approaching object when the detected illuminanceis equal to or lower than the predetermined reference illumination, andthe detected volume is equal to or lower than the predeterminedreference volume. Accordingly, the infrared sensor 130 can detectinformation for performing human detection when the illuminometer 150detects brightness equal to or lower than a predetermined brightness,and the microphone 160 detects a volume equal to or lower than apredetermined value. Accordingly, detection of an approaching object canbe started at an appropriate timing such as when the location becomesdark and quiet. In this manner, the CPU 20 instructs the infrared sensor130, which is different from the illuminometer 150, to perform detectionaccording to a detection result of the illuminometer 150. Also, the CPU20 instructs the infrared sensor 130, which is different from theilluminometer 150 and the microphone 160, to perform detection accordingto a detection result of the microphone 160.

In this example, the infrared sensor 130 is configured to performdetection when brightness equal to or lower than a predeterminedbrightness is detected, and a volume equal to or lower than apredetermined volume is detected. However, the CPU 20 may make theinfrared sensor 130 perform detection according to types of sounddetected by the microphone 160. For example, the CPU 20 may make theinfrared sensor 130 perform detection when sound having a frequencysatisfying a predetermined condition is detected. Examples of such afrequency satisfying a predetermined condition include a frequency offootsteps such as those generated from shoes. Also, examples of such afrequency satisfying a predetermined condition include frequencies of anengine sound or a motor sound of vehicles such as a train and amotorcycle, and a running or driving sound of the vehicles. A purpose ofsuch detection is to detect a state where the ambient sound (e.g.scream) is drowned out by noises of a train and the like, in addition toa rapid approach of a motorcycle. That is, the infrared sensor 130 maydetect information for performing human detection when the illuminometer150 detects brightness equal to or lower than a predeterminedbrightness, and the microphone 160 detects a predetermined type ofsound.

Also, the CPU 20 may make infrared sensor 130 perform detection whenthere is a predetermined change in brightness, or there is apredetermined change in sound. That is, the infrared sensor 130 maydetect information for performing human detection when there is apredetermined change in brightness detected by the illuminometer 150, orthere is a predetermined change in sound detected by the microphone 160.For example, the infrared sensor 130 may be configured to performdetection when it becomes bright suddenly, or sound becomes loudsuddenly. Accordingly, detection by the infrared sensor 130 can bestarted by appropriately detecting a change in the ambient environmentthat can be caused by a vehicle such as a train and a motorcycle.

With use of the system 5, detection by sensors that detect the ambientenvironment can be started at an appropriate timing even in an areawhere a risk varies depending on the time and situation. In addition,detection by sensors can be started sequentially at an appropriatetiming according to a detection result of the other sensors that havestarted detection. Then, a detection result can be notified to the user6 at a necessary timing according to a detection result of the varioussensors. Accordingly, a security system that is convenient for a user touse can be provided.

In the explanation above, the infrared sensor 130 is illustrated as anexample of a detecting unit for detecting an approach of a person.Various types of sensors other than the infrared sensor 130, such as aultrasonic sensor, can be used as a detecting unit for detecting anapproach of a person. Also, various types of sensors that can measurepositions and distances can be used as the detecting unit. For example,a laser distance measuring sensor and the like can be used as thedetecting unit.

Also, although the smartphone 10 includes the speedometer 80 in theexplanation above, a speedometer may be provided to an external deviceother than the smartphone 10, such as the camera unit 100. Then, thesmartphone 10 may acquire information indicating a speed measured by theexternal device through communication.

Also, in the explanation above, the CPU 20 acquires and analyzes adetection result of each sensor provided to the camera unit 100, anddetection operations of each sensor of the camera unit 100 arecontrolled by instructions of the CPU 20. However, the camera unit 100may have the functions of the CPU 20. For example, a detection result ofthe illuminometer 150 and the microphone 160 may be analyzed in thecamera unit 100, and the infrared sensor 130 may be configured toperform detection according to the analysis result.

The processing explained as the operations of the CPU 20 in theexplanation above is realized by the CPU 20 controlling each hardwareprovided to the smartphone 10 according to a program. The processingexplained as the operations of the CPU 220 is realized by the CPU 220controlling each hardware provided to the music player 200 according toa program. The same applies to the functions of the camera unit 100.That is, the processing explained in conjuncture with the smartphone 10,the camera unit 100, the music player 200, and the like according to thepresent embodiment can be realized by each hardware, including aprocessor and a memory, and a program working together to operate wherethe processor operates according to the program and controls eachhardware. That is, the processing may be realized by a so-calledcomputer device. The computer device may load a program to controlexecution of the above-described processing, and operate according tothe loaded program to execute the processing. The computer device mayload the program from a computer-readable recording medium that storestherein the program.

The functions of the smartphone 10 may be incorporated into varioustypes of electronic devices. For example, without being limited to asmartphone, the functions of the smartphone 10 may be incorporated intoa mobile phone, a portable information terminal such as a PDA, aportable game device, a personal computer including a tablet, a camera,a video camera, an audio recorder, a clock, and the like. Also, thefunctions of the smartphone 10 may be incorporated into the music player200 itself. Also, the functions of the camera unit 100 may beincorporated into various types of electronic devices. For example, byincorporating the functions of the camera unit 100 into an accessorysuch as a hair clip, the accessory can be used as the electronic device.A part of the sensors of the camera unit 100 that have detectionfunctions may be provided to an electronic device separated from anelectronic device to which other sensors are provided. For example, thefunctions of the camera 120 may be provided to an electronic deviceseparated from other sensors. At least the camera 120 among thefunctions of the camera unit 100 is preferably provided at a positionwhere the camera 120 can capture an image behind the user 6. Also, theinfrared sensor 130 is preferably provided at a position where theinfrared sensor 130 can at least perform detection behind the user 6.However, needless to say, the range of detection by the camera 120 andthe infrared sensor 130 is not limited to the back of the user 6. Also,the music player 200 is not limited to an electronic device used forreproduction of music. The functions of the music player 200 may beincorporated into various types of audio reproducing devices such as anaudio recorder with an audio reproducing function.

While the embodiment (s) of the present invention has (have) beendescribed, the technical scope of the invention is not limited to theabove described embodiment (s). It is apparent to persons skilled in theart that various alterations and improvements can be added to theabove-described embodiment (s). It is also apparent from the scope ofthe claims that the embodiments added with such alterations orimprovements can be included in the technical scope of the invention.

The operations, procedures, steps, and stages of each process performedby an apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims,embodiments, or diagrams can be performed in any order as long as theorder is not indicated by “prior to,” “before,” or the like and as longas the output from a previous process is not used in a later process.Even if the process flow is described using phrases such as “first” or“next” in the claims, embodiments, or diagrams, it does not necessarilymean that the process must be performed in this order.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   5 system    -   6 user    -   7 GPS satellite    -   10 smartphone    -   20 CPU    -   30 clock    -   40 GPS signal detecting unit    -   50 face detecting unit    -   60 memory    -   70 vibrating unit    -   80 speedometer    -   90 communicating unit    -   100 camera unit    -   110 communicating unit    -   120 camera    -   130 infrared sensor    -   140 LED    -   150 illuminometer    -   160 microphone    -   200 music player    -   220 CPU    -   230 volume control unit    -   210 communicating unit

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a positiondetecting unit that detects a position; a time detecting unit thatdetects a time; a communicating unit that communicates with a firstdevice provided separately from the position detecting unit and the timedetecting unit; and an instructing unit that instructs, via thecommunicating unit, a first detecting unit provided to the first deviceto perform detection according to a detection result of the positiondetecting unit and the time detecting unit.